Quiz: Howstuffworks

Can You Identify These NBA Players Who Scored 50+ Points in a Game?

Gavin Thagard

Image: NickS / E+ / Getty Images

About This Quiz

The different eras in basketball have certainly influenced the amount of scoring that takes place on the court. However, no matter the era, players capable of putting up 50 or more points in a game enter into an exclusive club that not many players reach during their NBA career. They are taking themselves from being simply offensive weapons to the category of elite scorers.

After all, 50 points is nearly half of the points scored by a single team during a game, and it takes a gifted player to earn the confidence of a team to give them the ball enough times to reach the 50-point mark. It's easy when a player is a star in the league like Michael Jordan or LeBron James, but several lesser-known players have reached the mark also, as their hot hand was ridden on a given night.

How well do you know the players who had the confidence and skill to score over 50 points in a game? When we show you an image, are you going to be able to tell us who the 50-point scorer is? Here's a quiz for you to find out.

If you're ready for the challenge, get started and see if you can score big on this quiz!

Wiki Commons by Fred Palumbo

No player has scored more points in a game than this guy. Who is he?

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Michael Jordan

Wilt Chamberlain

Moses Malone

Wilt Chamberlain set several NBA records during his time in the league, but few were as impressive as the 48.5 minutes per game he averaged during the 1961-62 season. That's more points per game than there are minutes in a game without counting overtime.

Wiki Commons by Sgt. Joseph A. Lee

Nicknamed the "Black Mamba," who is this 50+ point scorer?

Shaquille O'Neal

Kobe Bryant

Earvin "Magic" Johnson

LeBron James

Kobe Bryant spent the early part of his career playing alongside Shaquille O'Neal. Wanting his own team instead of playing second fiddle, Bryant forced O'Neal out of Los Angeles and took over as the leader of the team.

Wiki Commons by North Carolina State University

Can you identify this player who once put up 73 points?

Devin Booker

Larry Bird

Karl Malone

David Thompson

David Thompson was an incredible college player who led NC State to an undefeated season in 1973. However, the team was held out of the playoffs due to a recruiting violation surrounding Thompson.

Wiki Commons by unknown author

What's the name of this former Lakers player who put up over 50 points?

Elgin Baylor

Russell Westbrook

Steve Nash

Tracy McGrady

Despite reaching several NBA Finals, Elgin Baylor never won an NBA championship during his time in the league. In an odd turn of events, the Lakers won the NBA championship the same year that he retired a few games into the season.

Wiki Commons by Ken Hackman

Do you know this two-time NBA champion with a 50-point game under his belt?

David Robinson

Tim Duncan

Joe Fulks

Rick Barry

David Robinson teamed up with Tim Duncan, who the Spurs drafted in 1997. Together, the two formed a dominant duo down low, particularly on defense, where they were known as "The Twin Towers."

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

This player scored over 50 points in a loss. Who is he?

Pete Maravich

Devin Booker

James Harden

Larry Bird

Drafted in 2015, Devin Booker has been a dominant scorer since entering the league, averaging nearly 25 points in the 2017-18 season. However, his individual success has not translated into wins for the Suns.

Wiki Commons by Steve Lipofsky

Often considered the greatest player of all time, can you identify this prolific scorer?

Dominique Wilkins

LeBron James

Earvin "Magic" Johnson

Michael Jordan

From All-Star appearances to MVP awards, Michael Jordan accomplished it all during his time in the league. One of his greatest accomplishments, however, was going 6-0 in the NBA Finals.

Wiki Commons by Robert Kingsbury

Who is this player who put up 68 points in 1977 on his way to an NBA scoring title?

Kyrie Irving

George Mikan

Pete Maravich

Reggie Miller

Pete Maravich was a gifted scorer during his time in the NBA, but his career was eventually hampered by injuries. In his final year in the league, Maravich only played in 43 regular season games.

Wiki Commons by Golden State Warriors

Do you know the name of this 50+ point scorer?

Kevin McHale

Rick Barry

Bill Walton

Ray Allen

Rick Barry was named the NBA Finals MVP when he won the championship with the Golden State Warriors in 1975. The Warriors dominated the series, defeating the Bullets in only four games.

Wiki Commons by unknown author

An old school player who put up 63 points in 1949, who is this?

Tracy McGrady

Gilbert Arenas

Steph Curry

Joe Fulks

Joe Fulks was a scary scorer during the early years of the NBA. The legendary power forward helped innovate the modern jump shot, which has since become a staple across the league.

Wiki Commons by unknown author

This former 50+ point scorer has become a legendary NBA executive. What's his name?

Tim Duncan

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Jerry West

Bill Russell

Jerry West is the only NBA player to win the Finals MVP on the losing team, which he won in 1969 when the Lakers lost to the Celtics. West averaged 38 points in a series that went seven games.

Wiki Commons by Kevin Fitzgerald

Can you identify this player who put up 63 points despite not playing in the fourth quarter?

George Gervin

James Harden

LeBron James

Kevin Garnett

George Gervin spent the first five seasons of his professional career playing in the American Basketball Association. Gervin finally joined the NBA when it merged with the ABA in 1976.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

What's the name of this player who scored over 50 points as he led the league in scoring?

Damian Lillard

Bernard King

Karl Malone

Tracy McGrady

Tracy McGrady proved he was an offensive weapon when he won back to back scoring titles in 2003 and 2004. In his best season, which was 2002-03, McGrady averaged 32 points per game.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

Do you recognize this player who racked up 62 points with the Knicks?

Ray Allen

Allen Iverson

Carmelo Anthony

Dwyane Wade

While his friends were joining forces in Miami, Carmelo Anthony elected to join the New York Knicks in 2010. The move paid off for his pocketbook, but he was never able to win a championship with the Knicks.

Wiki Commons by unknown author

A revolutionary big man, who is this 50+ point single-game scorer?

George Mikan

Tim Duncan

LeBron James

Klay Thompson

Standing at 6 feet, 10 inches, George Mikan dominated the early NBA due to his exceptional size. He was an excellent rebounder and shot blocker, which left his contemporaries in awe.

Wiki Commons by United States Forest Service

Can you remember the name of this player who scored 61 points against the Bucks?

Larry Bird

Karl Malone

Julius Erving

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Karl Malone was never the greatest pure shooter, but he sure knew how to get to the basket and put the ball in the hole. With an excellent assist man like John Stockton, Malone was able to average 25 points throughout his career.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

This player put up over 50 points in the NBA Finals. Who is he?

Anthony Davis

Reggie Miller

LeBron James

Tom Chambers

From 2011 until 2018, LeBron James went to eight straight NBA Finals, winning three of them. His greatest accomplishment in the Finals was coming back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors in 2016.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

The latest player to score over 60 points, do you recognize who this is?

Russell Westbrook

James Harden

Kevin Durant

Chris Paul

Since joining the Houston Rockets in 2012, James Harden has been one of the greatest offensive threats in the NBA during the regular season. However, that success has yet to translate to the playoffs, where he is still looking for his first start in the NBA Finals.

NBA

What's the name of this player who scored 40 points in the first half on his way to a 60-point game?

Bernard King

Larry Bird

Moses Malone

Antawn Jamison

Despite leaving the NBA in 1993, Bernard King missed the cut for the Hall of Fame for several years of his eligibility. He was finally elected in 2013 alongside greats like Roger Brown, Gary Payton and Guy Lewis.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

Few players dominated under the rack like this guy. Who is he?

Kemba Walker

Dominique Wilkins

Gilbert Arenas

Shaquille O'Neal

Shaquille O'Neal came into the NBA on fire, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1993. That season, the legendary center averaged over 23 points and nearly 14 rebounds per game.

Wiki Commons by Steve Lipofsky

Can you identify this player who holds the single-game scoring record for the Celtics?

Larry Bird

Allen Iverson

Kevin McHale

Bill Russell

Larry Bird had a bitter but friendly rivalry with Earvin "Magic" Johnson that started when they played against one another in the NCAA championship. Johnson got the better of Bird in that matchup, but Bird would get his revenge years later in the NBA Finals.

NBA

A 50+ point scorer who had his number retired by the Suns, do you know this player?

Ray Allen

Damian Lillard

Hakeem Olajuwon

Tom Chambers

An electric dunker, Tom Chambers was elected to four All-Star games during his NBA career. He won the All-Star game MVP award in his first appearance in 1987, while representing the Seattle SuperSonics.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

Who is this player who put up 60 points in a close win over the Lakers?

Dominique Wilkins

Tim Duncan

Gilbert Arenas

Reggie Miller

Gilbert Arenas' 60 points against the Lakers is a franchise record for the Washington Wizards. Arenas played for the Wizards from 2003 until 2010, when he was traded to the Orlando Magic.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

Do you know which "Splash Brother" this is who racked up a 50+ point game?

Kemba Walker

Klay Thompson

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kyrie Irving

Klay Thompson had one of the most memorable 60-point games in NBA history in 2016. Playing against the Pacers, Thompson scored 60 points in 29 minutes while only dribbling the ball 11 times.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

This NBA legend put up over 50 points despite only being six feet tall. What's his name?

Steph Curry

Russell Westbrook

Bob Pettit

Allen Iverson

Though the crossover dribble had been around for years, Allen Iverson perfected the move during his time in the league. Defenders trembled in fear anytime they were left one-on-one against the gifted guard.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

Can you recall the name of this player who scored 60 points in a loss to the 76ers?

Kyrie Irving

Kemba Walker

Ray Allen

Julius Erving

Kemba Walker played three seasons of college basketball at UConn, where he won the NCAA championship in 2011. Walker was named the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player for his role in winning the championship.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

One of the greatest three-point shooters in NBA history, who is this 50+ point scorer?

Steph Curry

Kevin Durant

Dwight Howard

Reggie Miller

Steph Curry almost single-handedly revolutionized the NBA with his three-point shooting ability. The gifted point guard was one of the first players to pull up from anywhere past half court, forcing defenders to crowd him earlier than they would like.

Wiki Commons by Frank Bryan

Do you recognize this player who has 10 50+ point games?

Bob Pettit

Dominique Wilkins

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Tim Duncan

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar finished his NBA career as the all-time leading scorer, so it's no wonder that he had 10 50-point games in his career. Of course, part of the reason he was able to score so many points was because he played 20 season in the league.

NBA

Nicknamed "The Human Highlight Film" because of his dunking ability, what's the name of this player with a 50-point game under his belt?

Anthony Davis

Kyrie Irving

Dominique Wilkins

LaMarcus Aldridge

Dominique was such a skilled dunker that he won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest twice during his career, in 1985 and 1990. He won the 1985 contest by defeating Michael Jordan, who came in second place.

Wiki Commons by. J.smith

This player with six 50+ point games left the Thunder to join a 73-win team. Who is he?

Julius Erving

Reggie Miller

Tim Duncan

Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant departed from the Oklahoma City Thunder after failing to win a title during the first half of his career there. When Durant left OKC, he joined the Golden State Warriors, a championship team led by Steph Curry.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

One of the most intense competitors in the NBA, do you know the name of this player who put up over 50 points in a playoff game?

Russell Westbrook

Oscar Robertson

Dwyane Wade

Chris Bosh

In 2017, Russell Westbrook became only the second person in the history of the NBA to average a triple double for the season. The accomplishment was part of why he was named the NBA MVP that year.

Wiki Commons by Frenchieinportland

Can you identify this point guard with multiple 50-point games?

Derrick Rose

Damian Lillard

Kyrie Irving

DeMarcus Cousins

Damian Lillard started all 82 games his rookie season, averaging over 38 minutes per game. Lillard was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team after averaging 19 points and 6.5 assists throughout the season.

Philadelphia 76ers

Who is this legendary three-point shooter with a 50-point game?

Chris Webber

Paul Pierce

Reggie Miller

Ray Allen

Retiring in 2005, Reggie Miller ended his NBA career as the all-time leader in three pointers, finishing with 2,560. He was later passed by Ray Allen, who retired with 2,973 three pointers made.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

What's the name of this player who put up 50 points after two overtimes?

Tim Duncan

LaMarcus Aldridge

Dennis Rodman

Pau Gasol

LaMarcus Aldridge was elected to his third All-Star game as a San Antonio Spur in 2019. The talented big man has been to seven All-Star games in total, his first four with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

A big man who has scored over 50 points three times with the Pelicans, do you know who this is?

Anthony Davis

Hakeem Olajuwon

Bill Russell

Kawhi Leonard

Realizing his team wouldn't make the playoffs, Anthony Davis requested a trade prior to the 2019 trade deadline. The Lakers made a strong pitch to acquire Davis, but the Pelicans decided to hold on to their star player until the offseason.

Wiki Commons by Erik Drost

This player humiliated defenders with his handles on his way to a 50-point game. Who is he?

Ray Allen

Paul Pierce

Isaiah Thomas

Kyrie Irving

Still a rising talent, Kyrie Irving won an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 while playing alongside LeBron James. Hoping to establish his own legacy, Irving forced the team to trade him a year later.

NBA

Do you recognize this player whose deadly offensive skills under the basket helped him score 50 points in a game?

Charles Barkley

Dirk Nowitzki

Bill Russell

Hakeem Olajuwon

Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon is often overlooked when talking about the greatest centers of all time. With 12 All-Star appearances and two NBA championships, he definitely deserves to be in that conversation.

Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

Can you identify this player who had back-to-back 51 point games in 2000?

Tim Duncan

Antawn Jamison

Earvin "Magic" Johnson

Derrick Rose

Antawn Jamison spent his college career at the University of North Carolina, where he won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 1998. He went on to be the number four pick in the 1998 NBA draft.

Wiki Commons by Cpl. Lameen Witter

What's the name of this former NBA champion who has four 50-point games under his belt?

Moses Malone

Charles Barkley

Chris Webber

Ray Allen

Moses Malone was part of a Philadelphia 76ers team that lost only a single game in the 1983 NBA Playoffs. They went 4-0 against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals, as Malone won his only championship.

Wiki Commons by unknown author

This former Hawks' player scored 50 points in the 1958 NBA Finals. Who is he?

Charles Barkley

Kevin Garnett

Bob Pettit

Paul Pierce

Playing for the St. Louis Hawks, Bob Pettit won the very first NBA MVP award in 1956. That season, Pettit averaged over 25 points and 16 rebounds per game, leading the league in both categories.

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